Kent Kristof

Kent L. Kristof has dedicated his practice to probate court matters and conservatorships for more than 18 years. His primary focus is on litigated cases, where he has demonstrated proficiency and knowledge. Now rated consistently named as a Super Lawyer, Kent L. Kristof was recognized in the Rising Stars List by Super Lawyers for six consecutive years, an honor bestowed upon only 2.5% of attorneys. He routinely serves as a member of the Court Appointed Counsel Panel (formerly the Probate Volunteer Panel). Dr. Kristof has repeatedly been called to act as an expert witness regarding complex trust and estate litigation. Partner Kent L. Kristof has a deep background in law and aging. He served as the American Bar Association's Young Lawyer Division's Liaison to the Commission on Law And Aging, where he was involved in the development of the Uniform Elder Abuse Act. Additionally, Dr. Kristof is highly experienced in trusts and estates and has conducted training sessions for other lawyers in this area. Dr. Kristof completed his bachelor’s degree in History, with a minor in Spanish, with honors at California State Polytechnic University. He possesses a Master of Arts degree with a focus on legal history, as well as an LLM (Master of Law) in Estate Planning And Elder Law. Dr. Kent L. Kristof earned his Doctorate in Juridical Science (JSD), his dissertation quantified the impact of probate law and the Probate Court on the economy of Los Angeles County. Awards and Honors Super Lawyers® Selectees Kent Kristof included in a Super Lawyers® list Honors Super Lawyers - Rising Star, 2014 - 2020 Top Attorney, Pasadena Weekly, 2020 Best Attorney/Law Firm, Pasadena Weekly, 2011 Super Lawyers Other Sources of Feedback About Kent Kristof Included on the 2026Southern California Super Lawyers list Past Lists 2025 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2024 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2023 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2020 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2019 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2018 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2017 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2016 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2015 Southern California Super Lawyers list 2014 Southern California Super Lawyers list

• Partner

• Los Angeles County District Attorney, Elder Abuse Unit, Certified Law Clerk, 2004
• Law Offices of M. Denise Kristof, Legal Assistant, 1999 - 2005
• ElderResource.com, President, 1999 - 2000
• Languages
• Spanish

• “Economics of Probate: The Impact of Probate Administration in the World’s 16th Largest Economy”, Georgetown University Law Center, National Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) Roundtable, 2018
• “Post-Death Trust Administration”, Continuing Education of the Bar, 2018
• "Impact of Probate in Los Angeles County - a Report on case filings, costs, and economics", South Bay Bar Association (forthcoming)
• "Court Appointed Counsel Training, Los Angeles County Bar Association”, 2023

• The Estate of Falkenborg
• Citation: Completed but unpublished
• The Conservatorship of Alvarado

• California State Courts and Courts of Appeal
• U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit

• American Bar Association, Young Lawyer’s Division to the Commission on Law And Aging, 2014 - 2016 (Liason)
• Amicus Briefs Committee, Los Angeles County Bar Association, 2013 - 2014 (Member)
• Center for Civic Mediation, 2012 - 2020 (Mediator)
• Attorney-Client Mediation And Arbitration Services, Los Angeles County Bar Association, 2012 - 2020 (Arbitrator)
• Pro Bono Probate Settlement Program, Los Angeles County Superior Court, 2013 - Present (Settlement Officer)
• Los Angeles County (formerly Probate Volunteer Panel), 2010 - Present (Court Appointed Counsel)
• Los Angeles County Bar Association California State Bar Conference of Delegates, 2009 (Delegate)
• Los Angeles County Guardianship Clinic, 2010 - 2012 (Attorney Volunteer)
• Phi Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, 1997 - 2001 (Member/ Officer)
• Golden Key National Honor Society, 1998 - 2001 (Member)
• California Lawyers Association: Trusts & Estates; Litigation (Member)
• Los Angeles County Bar Association: Trusts & Estates; Litigation (Member)